Blow for Enyimba as Ideye, Captain Pascal Eze and Atule Miss Crucial NPFL Clash Against Nasarawa United
Enyimba FC will travel to face Nasarawa United this weekend without three key players, in what could be a major test of squad depth and resilience for the nine-time NPFL champions, TalkTalk Nigeria has confirmed.
Veteran forward Brown Ideye, fresh off a stunning brace in the 2-0 win over Kwara United, has been granted compassionate leave to attend to a private family matter. The 36-year-old’s absence is expected to be felt, especially given his recent resurgence in front of goal.
Also missing is club captain Pascal Eze, who, like Ideye, has had to step away from the squad due to a separate undisclosed family issue. The duo’s absence comes at a pivotal moment in Enyimba’s season.
The People’s Elephant will also be without Joseph Atule, one of their top scorers this season. Atule is sidelined with an injury, leaving the coaching staff with limited attacking options as they push for a top-four finish.
Going into the Matchday 37 encounter, Enyimba sit 5th on the NPFL table with 55 points, while Nasarawa United remain in 14th place with 46 points and are battling to avoid relegation.
Opinion: Big Players, Big Misses—Can Enyimba’s Bench Rise?
This could either be a defining moment or a dangerous dip in momentum for Enyimba FC. While the team is still within reach of the top spots, losing three first-team players—two due to personal emergencies and one to injury—tests not just their depth, but their mental strength.
Brown Ideye's leadership and finishing touch, Eze’s calm in defence, and Atule’s goal threat will be sorely missed. But adversity often breeds opportunity. Can the bench players step up and deliver under pressure?
With one game to go after this, every point matters. A slip now could be costly. But if Enyimba can grind out a result in Lafia, it might just show they have the character of true champions.
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🗣️ Can Enyimba pull through without their key stars? Let’s hear your thoughts below!
